Author's Notes:
As I never fail to mention: this is NOT an alternate universe tale. This story is consistent with Shining canon as far as I can see, and all my future fanfics will treat it as canon.
If this is your first time reading one of my fics, you may want to read "The King's Friends", "Deanna and Natasha", and "While You Guys Were Out" first, so as to get my full interpretation of the plotlines and characters of Shining Force CD. "The King's Friends" is the most closely connected, and a pretty quick read. However, you should have no trouble understanding this story even without having read my earlier fics.
Technical Notes: The milieu of this fanfic is property of Sega. Unlike my earlier fics, which feature either predominately Sega-owned characters or predominantly original characters, this fic is near evenly split between the two. If a character doesn't appear in any of my earlier stories, he is property of Martin III - with the exception of Stock, who is property of Sega. Otherwise, refer to the author's notes on my earlier stories for who owns who.
This story is set shortly after Shining Force CD.
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The Proposal
plot and script - Martin III
original flashback dialogue from Shining Force CD - Hiroyuki Takahashi, Shugo Takahashi, and Hiroshi Kajiyama
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Queen Anri stepped to within two meters of King Nicholas - closer than almost any foreigner would be permitted to come to the Cypress throne. "We of Guardiana thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness," she said, with all of her usual regal bearing. "Now that the celebrations of your coronation have ended, however, we must return to our home."
Nicholas took a second to adjust his new crown on his head; he still hadn't become used to its perching there. "We had hoped you might grace us with your presence a bit longer, Your Highness."
"As had we. However, several matters of state require my presence in Guardiana."
The king nodded. "I understand. I must again apologize for the reception your emissary received when you sent us your timely aid against Iom."
"Don't concern yourself," Anri reassured him. She needed neither gesture nor expression to convey her dismissiveness toward the matter. She continued with a slight smile, "We both know Shriek is all too easily offended. It was a misstep on both sides. I've been queen for many years now; I know all too well how hard it is to ensure that one's representatives always properly embody one's intentions and manners."
Nicholas inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I'll keep that in mind should I ever have occasion to be offended by one of your representatives. Then, as to our trade agreement...?"
"I find nothing of strong objection in the terms you have offered, save that I am envious that you managed to draw them up in so short a time, under such a tumultuous time in your nation's organization." She cast a hand towards the Cypress king, as though in casual offer. "We shall follow your agreement as stated for the time being. When I next have the opportunity to visit Cypress, we shall work out the fine details."
"Very gracious of you, my lady." He wished he had something to offer in return for her favors, though he knew Guardiana was still grateful for his leading them to victory against Woldol. His father had taught him that the member of an alliance to whom gratitude is due is the one who holds the upper hand. And in truth, Anri's identity as a fellow monarch made him feel a bit sorry for her: she had no heir, nor even a husband to produce one.
It was an enigma. Queen Anri had been the sole remaining member of the Guardiana royal family for over 20 years now; surely she realized that if she did not produce an heir, Guardiana would fall into disarray upon her death. And Nick could hardly believe that she suffered from a lack of suitors. Even at her advanced age, she was still quite beautiful, and must have been more so in her youth. Was there something in her past, some terrible loss or strong attachment perhaps, that made her unwilling to marry?
It didn't matter. Solving this problem of hers was not within his power. He himself was the last of his nation's royalty, and he could hardly offer himself in marriage to Anri. Ignoring any other considerations, it would be a union of Cypress and Guardiana.
Anri shook her head. "I am not gracious at all. I simply try to do the best I can for my country, and for my allies. As you do too, I must imagine."
"Yes." The monosyllable felt almost like a silence.
"I don't seek your gratitude. We have shared a struggle; that makes us allies. Any complication of that relationship is a loss, in my consideration." She bowed her head to him. "Thank you for your hospitality. We look forward to dealing with you again."
"The feeling is mutual," King Nicholas said, standing up to see her off. Though they spoke with the habitual formality of royalty, the look that passed between them then removed all ambiguity: they were friends. Discrete friends, to be sure, for Nick knew well that a king's friends are those who are useful to him, and judging by his impressions of Anri, the duties of being queen had deprived her of the time and energy for a strong friendship. But friends nonetheless.
Once she was gone, Nick handed his crown off to an attendant and headed downstairs, Gyan at his side.
He gave a heavy sigh once they were out of hearing of his retainers. "That's the last time I leave Varmo in charge of anything."
Gyan frowned. "What are you talking about? You left Mayfair in charge. You couldn't have known -" He stopped, and a most curious grin came over his face. "Then again, you could have, couldn't you?"
"No, I couldn't," Nick admitted. "A lot depended on whether or not Natasha would be among the party leaving Castle Cypress, but from Mayfair's reports I suspected Varmo would be ambitious enough to take charge. If he didn't, either Natasha or Irinod would have been a good leader, and I would have known that Varmo didn't have what it takes. Not that I haven't discovered that anyway."
"Don't be so harsh. He just did what he thought a good Cypressian leader would do."
"If he thinks needlessly insulting an emissary of an ally is what a good leader would do, then he's a lot less intelligent than I thought," Nick returned. "And what about exiling Yeesha? Just trying to be a good leader, again?"
"Well... he couldn't ignore the evidence..."
"The evidence of her organizing a rebellion? Either he's a complete fool for not recognizing such an obvious frame-up, or he did the framing himself. I hadn't been counting on Varmo being a great leader, but I thought I could rely on him not fouling things up as badly as this. Organizing a search for Yeesha was one headache I shouldn't have had to deal with."
"Look on the bright side. Thanks to all you went through just for her, Yeesha seems to be looking upon you kindly again."
"I'm overjoyed," Nick said with a grimace. "The point is, Varmo concerns himself too much with holding the office of leader and not enough with actually being a leader."
Gyan cocked his eye at him. "An easy pitfall for you to avoid. You hold your office by right of blood."
"True," Nick nodded. "And with Natasha gone, we could use a leader among the ranks of the young. Which is why I'm going to give him another chance. But he'll have to earn it."
"You have an idea?"
"The beginnings of one. But I have more important things to deal with right now than Varmo."
They at last reached the gates of Castle Cypress. A woman was waiting for him there.
"Natasha?" Nick prodded.
"Deanna and I have to leave now, Your Highness," she said simply. He spotted the young Iomite waiting for her some distance away. "Deanna actually was keen on leaving a lot sooner, but..."
"You brow-beat him into staying?" he filled in.
"Oh, no!" She shook her head in fierce denial. "He always does what I ask... without question. If it makes me happy, that's enough for him." She blushed slightly at this admission. "But we really need to get back. The team of aid workers we put together relies on our help and leadership. And there's so many people there in need..." She trailed off, staring into the distance.
"Natasha," Nick said carefully, "...are you happy?"
She turned and looked at him. Then she smiled. "'Happy' doesn't begin to describe how I feel. The way Deanna appreciates who I am... even loves and needs it... it's made me free to be who I am. When I'm with him, I'm more alive than I've ever been. But it's not just him. The work we're doing... rebuilding homes, treating wounds, finding food for hungry people... we've been doing so much good." She met the king's eyes directly. "This is what I've always wanted... to use my talents to help people, instead of hurting them. I needed to hurt people in the war, and it made my heart sick. It's why I couldn't be friends with Dawn anymore. But now... I feel like I'm undoing the hurt I've done, and then some. I thought living in Iom was a hardship I'd have to endure to be with Deanna, but I'm more fulfilled there than I ever was in Cypress."
Then she caught herself. "Uh... Forigive me, Your Highness, I just meant -"
"I'm glad for you," he said, laying a hand on her shoulder and smiling. "I hope that you stay just as content and... actualized as you are now. If things ever change, though, we'd be happy to have you back at Castle Cypress."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
He moved his hand to her chin and raised her head. "There's no need for that; we're friends. You can call me Prince Nick as long as you wish."
"Thank you. I'd like that."
"You did retrieve all the belongings you left in your room when you went off with Deanna, correct?"
"Deanna's carrying them. Thanks for having your servants hold onto them for me." She smiled again. "Excuse me, then, Prince Nick. Deanna's waiting for me."
"Of course."
She turned and ran to Deanna. His countenance perceptibly brightened as she came near. They greeted each other with a kiss, and entwining their hands, they turned to go on their way.
It was strange, Nick thought. The two them seemed so very happy, and he couldn't imagine them otherwise. Yet their love looked so... silly, even foolish. He didn't understand it. He doubted he'd ever understand that sort of love at all.
"You're rather fond of those two, aren't you?" Gyan commented.
Nick frowned, turning toward the gardens. "What makes you think that?"
Gyan grinned. "A few things. First of all, you did take some pretty strong measures to safeguard Deanna's life back at the shrine of Iom."
"That was Hindel's dying wish," Nick snapped. "And it was the only part of my promise to him that I managed to keep. Do not take that topic of discussion any further, Gyan."
"Sorry. ...Well, there's one thing that's been nagging at my brain." He fixed Nick with a look. "You knew that if you convinced Natasha to confess her feelings for Deanna she'd end up leaving Cypress with him, didn't you?"
The king considered a moment. "It wasn't a sure thing. I did know that Natasha couldn't convince him to stay."
"And you chose to make the two of them happy rather than retain the most valuable member of your youth squads."
"Tell me, Gyan... how useful would Natasha have been here, doing nothing but pining away for Deanna?"
Gyan looked surprised. "Was she?"
"Mayfair told me that in the two days before Deanna's departure, she showed no interest in anything and was minimally responsive to even her closest friends. It was worrying her."
"I see." There was a short pause. "And just now...?"
"There's always a chance that what she has with Deanna will fall apart," Nick said simply. "If that happens, she'll go back to the place she feels most at home. If I ensure that that place is here, we'll have regained a most valuable soldier."
Gyan chuckled. "Just a gut feeling, but I don't think there's any chance of that pair breaking apart. They're practically joined at the hip."
"Even so, at the least they're both important people in Iom. It's certainly worth a small bit of effort to be on their good side." He brushed a hand over his cheek. "To be honest, I do hope that she'll remain content wi-"
"Did you hear that?" Gyan interrupted.
Nick stopped to listen. "Sounds like Mayfair yelling something."
The pair stepped out of the garden and looked back towards Castle Cypress. Stock, a stern faced, middle-aged centaur they'd met during the liberation of Cypress, was on the far side of the drawbridge, heading away from the castle. Mayfair had just come out of the gate and was running after him like a bolt fired from a crossbow. "Stock! Stock! Stawwwwwk!"
Nick caught Stock grimace just before he turned to face Mayfair. She didn't slow down, and a breath later she collided with the ranger, throwing her arms around his waist and pressing the side of her face against his fur. "You're... you're leaving already?" she said, her voice choked and meek.
"Never seen Mayfair like that before," Gyan murmured to Nick.
"Sorry, kid," Stock said, gently running a hand over the top of Mayfair's head. "There's work to be done back home."
"That doesn't make any sense! We can provide for you here, as long as you want. You can't leave so soon; I haven't even had time to really see you, I've been so busy with everything!" She pulled back from him a little, seeming to get a bit of control over herself. "Please, just a few weeks. I promise I'll make time."
"Look... I have a family now. They need me..."
"Stock!" she gasped, staring at him in disbelief. "You... you're lying to me!"
"What? I -"
"It's obvious." She was coming to tears now. "Besides, when we were hiding from Woldol you told me you never wanted to remarry."
Stock sighed and hung his head. "Look, Mayfair, I... I just can't stay in a place like this, all full of noble folk and luxury and formality. A man like me just can't be comfortable here."
She sniffed. "Can't you stay even a few days... for me?"
"It's not like you to ask someone else to suffer for you, Mayfair," he said, giving her hair one last little tousle. "I gotta go now, kid. Stay healthy."
"Well," she said, forcing a smile, "...I can still come visit you sometime, can't I?"
Nick saw his cheek twitch a moment, but Mayfair didn't seem to notice. "Sure. Why not?" Bending his legs and stooping down as far he could with his torso, he managed to plant a kiss on the top of her head. "Take care of yourself, kid."
Mayfair gave him one last quick hug, and whispering "Goodbye, Stock," she watched him go.
As Nick walked toward her, he said quietly, "Find somewhere else to be, Gyan."
The beastman frowned. "Why?"
"I know you. You're not going to be able to resist making some snide remark. Mayfair doesn't need that right now."
"I might not have," he growled, but he gracefully walked away.
Nick laid a hand on her shoulder. It was funny; though Mayfair seemed to tower over all around her like an immense edifice of comfort and power, she really was a petite woman, standing close to a head shorter than him. "Are you okay?" he said gently. The question's wording was crude, common; but Nick knew that common speech was often of more value in giving comfort.
"I'm sorry, Nick," Mayfair said, wiping her face to clear away the remains of her tears. "I didn't mean for you to see me like this. I'm fine." She laughed slightly. "Good spirits, what a mess I must be now."
"You look fine." It was true. Aside from a little redness around her eyes, she was as neat and proper as ever.
"Thank you." She turned to face him. "Forgive me. We've just finished celebrating your great triumph, and I've made such an unhappy scene..."
"Forget what Stock says. You should ask someone else to suffer for you now and then. And... you really wanted Stock to stay, didn't you?"
She nodded. "I wish he'd stay here permanently... he's my dearest friend."
Nick smiled. "I thought you said I was your dearest friend."
"No, Nick," she answered, refusing to take the matter with any levity. "If you're talking about what I believe you are, I said that you are the best friend I have. You've been a better friend to me than Stock - than anyone." She looked up at him with grateful eyes. This bewildered Nick. He'd made no effort to be a good friend to her; so far as he could see, as a friend he'd simply been there. "And I do care for you, Nick, but Stock holds the strongest bond to my heart. It's unfair, but..."
"But true," he finished simply and with a sense of closure, but inside he felt a tinge of jealousy. Mayfair was a remarkable woman, full of spirit, and he wished he could hold her affections close to him. "He saved your life, didn't he?"
"He did more than that." Her eyes turned from him now, and seemed to stare into the past. "The day Woldol blinded me, I became numb to fear. There was nothing, no moment, which I didn't have reason to be afraid of. Stock pulled me out of that pit of fear. I'll never forget the moment I first felt his hand closing over my mouth, to cover a cry. At first, I struggled against him with all my strength. I couldn't see who he was - that made him a threat. Then, because I'd become numb to fear, I was able to realize that the hands holding me were gentle, the first gentle touch I'd felt in days. Days that seemed like years to me. I relaxed, and he whispered to me, 'Easy, girl. I'm a friend.' They were the sweetest words I'd ever heard."
She paused to wipe away a tear. "I'll always love Stock for what he did. He's almost a father to me; after all, in a way he gave me new life. It hurts to be away from him all the time." She looked back at Nick, and her voice sounded normal again. "I don't suppose, with the war being over, that I might have a couple weeks leave at some point?"
He gave her the barest of smiles in assent. "You've served Cypress well enough. I think you deserve it."
Mayfair responded with quiet gratitude, but he knew he wasn't giving her much. It wasn't Castle Cypress that Stock couldn't stand; it was Mayfair. He'd never brought it up during the fight to liberate Cypress, not being the sort to complain, but when Nick spoke to him of Mayfair during his coronation trials, he'd made his feelings known.
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It was early in their trip, on a night tense with the sounds of insects and stranger animals. He and Stock were both on watch, and he thought it a good moment to thank him for saving Mayfair. "She's done so much good for Cypress," he'd said. "I realize that none of it would have happened if not for what you did. Thank you."
"Sure," Stock grunted. "Though I think you deserve more credit than me, for seeing she'd be a great general."
"You never saw a glimmer of that in her?"
In all the time he'd known him, Stock never once smiled. But something like an amused twinkle passed over his eyes as he answered, "I've never been able to see her as anything but a cute little pain in the frog."
"In the what?"
Stock gave Nick a reproachful look, and lifted one of his forelegs to point to the underside of his hoof. "This."
"Oh yes, of course." Nick blushed slightly. "I wasn't thinking of that; none of the centaurs I've known have ever used that expression. But... you regard Mayfair as a pain?" He held the surprise out of his voice.
"Oh, don't get me wrong. She's kind and adorable, I know." His use of diminutive terms to describe Mayfair was bewildering Nick to the point of aggravation. She was small, yes, but Mayfair was most manifestly a woman, not a child. "But... Well, you saw what she did when I arrived for the coronation. It was more forgivable then since she hadn't seen me in a while, but I swear, she was like that the whole time we were on the run from Woldol's men, just hugging me right out of the blue. I told her that just grabbing me like that is inappropriate, but she just gave me one of those damnable cute smiles and rattled off some noise about how I shouldn't shut away my feelings. And a few hours later she did it again. She even kissed me on the cheek once."
"How did she reach that high?" Nick asked, amused.
"Well, that's another thing. A group of Woldol's men had surprised us, and we had to make a quick retreat. So she... she..." Stock swallowed, his face contorting with disgust. "...she mounted me."
"Given her blindness, I think she'd have had a difficult time running away on her own legs."
"But..." Stock sputtered out, his face turning red. "But to do just do it like that, not even asking permission, not even giving me awarning for pity's sake? One second I was looking for a good place to run to, and the next, HELLO!" He shook his head, almost a shudder. "Mayfair is a kind person. Really, I know. But she's so... so..."
"Impertinent?" Nick offered blandly.
"Impertinent. Mayfair is impertinent?" Stock echoed, trying out the new word. "Mayfair is impertinent. Yeah, it sounds right."
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Nick stuffed aside the memory, inwardly shaking his head at Stock's feelings toward Mayfair. Truly, there was no accounting for taste.
It was a shame. Stock, Mayfair, Rohde... they'd all given their best for Cypress, yet their hearts had not been contented. It made him thankful that his own struggles and scheming had borne rich fruit. It had taken a long time, but now he could at last revel in the fact that he had won all but one of the things he sought.
He cast a wistful look at Mayfair, who was now once more reviewing the castle guards. All but one.